Some good news to pass along today as Pittsburgh Steelers running back Baron Batch reports today via his personal blog that he is no longer rehabbing his torn ACL suffered late in training camp last year and he announces that he is about 90% right now. Batch tore the ACL in his left knee on August 10th after getting his foot caught on the field turf during an 11 on 11 drill.
Batch says in his post that he feel faster than ever when running straight, but that he still has work to do when cutting. Since returning to Pittsburgh four weeks ago he reports he has dropped 12 pounds and is back at his 215 pound playing weight. Batch posted video of the drills he has been doing to get back into shape and get the explosiveness back in his cuts.
This is certainly great news as it has been just over 7 months since he suffered the injury. With mini camps and OTA sessions right around the corner, it appears he will be close to a full go by then. Training camp usually gets rolling by the end of July, so it appears he will be ready to pick up where he left off last year.
The Steelers certainly have the need for a change of pace back to go along with Isaac Redman and Batch will likely be given every opportunity to win that job. Rashard Mendenhall is currently rehabbing his torn ACL and almost certain to start the season on the PUP list. Mewelde Moore, who has served as the Steelers change of pace and third down option over the last several years, is currently an unrestricted free agent and there are no guarantees he will be signed back at this time as the Steelers make the move to youth.
